Tomodachi

German aviation company Lilium has debut a design for a potential personal electric-powered aircraft in a recent press release, showing off concepts and designs they hope to implement in the future. The craft, which takes cues from both standard planes and helicopters, will be able to achieve a vertical take off from a standstill, and can achieve max speeds of 250 mph. The plane will be powered by an electric battery, allowing for 300 miles of flight before requiring a recharge. All of this is achieved thanks to the plane’s ducted fan engines, which lighten the load of the plane significantly, as well as result in a much quieter experience compared to modern helicopters. The plane, intended for recreational flying in low airspace, will still require users to hold a standard pilot’s license, and will begin testing in 2017 for a potential 2018 release, but it is an interesting look into the future of flight for the average citizen.